HP to Release Windows 8 Tablet for Year End Launch

Hewlett-Packard intends to release its first tablet based on Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 8 operating system by the end of the year. The system will be based on Intel Corp.’s x86 system-on-chip, but not on an ARM SoC. In fact, HP does not seem to be too enthusiastic about ARM in general after it decided to disband its Palm division.

Meg Whitman, chief executive officer of HP, said at a Wall Street Journal conference that the initial Windows 8 tablet from the company will be based on an Intel microprocessor, reports Bloomberg news-agency. Thanks to compatibility with Intel x86 architecture, this tablet will naturally support all the software ever developed for Windows platform, which will provide numerous advantages to business users. In fact, HP specifically positions the device for work, not only for fun.

“The iPad is terrific, I have one. I use it to read books or watch TV but I don't use it to really get work done. There is a big trend to BYOD to work; which is all well and good until there is a security breach. We are going to provide an alternative," said Meg Whitman, according to Nine News.

This is not the first time when HP criticizes Apple iPad for poor security, but this is the first time when the company unveils plans to offer a competitive x86-based tablet with improved security. At present, the easiest way to implement all the latest and greatest security features is by using x86 technology, which is why HP is not too enthusiastic about Windows on ARM in general.

During the most recent conference call with financial analysts, HP’s executives specifically underlined that they have Windows 8/x86-based products in the pipeline. The company did not indicate any actual plans to release Windows 8/ARM devices, though, this does not mean that they are absent from the roadmap.